Proceedings at the General Court Martial have been conducted under tight security, with media access to the courtroom heavily restricted.
Former Director of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), now known as the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (C DIS), Maj Gen James Birungi has been remanded to Makindye Military Barracks after the General Court Martial denied his application for bail due to his failure to present sureties.
Maj Gen Birungi appeared before the General Court Martial sitting at Makindye and chaired by Brig Gen Richard Tukacungurwa. He is scheduled to return to court on July 31, 2026, when judgment is expected to be delivered in the case.
The former intelligence chief, who served as head of military intelligence before his arrest in August 2025, is facing charges relating to security and treachery alongside several Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers.
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According to the prosecution, the accused are linked to allegations that fabricated intelligence reports were used to obtain operational funds. The alleged false intelligence is also connected to security operations in which civilians were fatally shot and later presented as suspected suicide bombers, including incidents at Kalerwe Market and near the Catholic Shrine in Munyonyo during Martyrs’ Day celebrations.
While Maj Gen Birungi remained in custody, the court granted bail to two of his co-accused.
Brig Gen James Ruhesi was released on a cash bail of sh10m and a non-cash bond of sh25m, secured by sureties. Maj Innocent Mugumya, who faces similar charges, was granted bail of sh4m cash and a non-cash bond of sh10m, also backed by sureties.
However, Col David Kidega and Capt Kenneth Labwon Kinyera were remanded after failing to present sureties. The two officers are expected back in court on July 31, 2026.
Lt Paddy Nahabwe was also remanded and is scheduled to reappear before the court on August 31, 2026.
Proceedings at the General Court Martial have been conducted under tight security, with media access to the courtroom heavily restricted.
The case represents one of the most high-profile military prosecutions in recent years and follows a Board of Inquiry into intelligence and counterterrorism operations chaired by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding. The inquiry reportedly examined allegations of misconduct in intelligence gathering, the use of operational funds, and the handling of counterterrorism operations, paving the way for the charges currently before the military court.
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